CHICAGO—The largest annual gathering of sailors in the Midwest will be held January 31-February 3 in Chicago at Navy Pier. This four-day event expects more than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts from around the country to descend on Chicago to find the latest sailboats, sailing accessories charters and seminars from more than 250 exhibiting companies.

Launched in 1996, Strictly Sail Chicago (www.StrictlySailChicago.com) has become an annual tradition for the local and regional sailing community to discuss the upcoming season, as well as view, board and buy the newest sailboats, gear and accessories.

"Strictly Sail Chicago is the largest indoor sailboat show in the country and has become a highly anticipated gathering place for sailors looking for the best deals of the season," says Kevin Murphy, show manager. "Whether looking to buy, browse or simply learn more about the sailing industry, this show is perfect for sailors of all ages and skill levels."

In addition to the sailboats, accessories and gear, visitors have the opportunity to attend more than 200 educational seminars. Strictly Sail Chicago's comprehensive seminar series has become one of the show's top features. Seminars allow sailing novices to learn the basics, while veteran seafarers can discover new techniques. Sailing celebrities will also be available to share tales of their on-the-water experiences.

Some symposia require enrollment to attend, including:

Basic Essentials of Marine Technology Workshop: Part 1 (February 2, 8a.m. - 5p.m.) and Part 2 (February 3, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.) —Learn to make informed weather decisions for safer, self-reliant offshore voyaging in this two-day workshop led by marine meteorologist, Lee Chesneau. This seminar provides an overview of how weather works and information necessary to properly navigate through a variety of weather scenarios. Limited enrollment is available through www.StrictlySailChicago.com. Attendees must complete Part 1 before signing up for Part 2.

Mahina Offshore Cruising (February 2, 8a.m.-5 p.m.) —This comprehensive nine-hour seminar covers all aspects of preparing for your own cruising adventures through lectures, charts, diagrams, demonstrations, images and the popular 265-page Offshore Cruising Companion. Led by sailing enthusiasts John and Amanda Neal, this seminar incorporates the knowledge gained from their combined 434,000 sea miles and 61 years experience. Registration is available through www.StrictlySailChicago.com.

Marine Radar for Recreational Boaters 101 (February 2, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)—This one-day beginner course will not make you a radar expert, but it provides the knowledge to properly operate your radar system and begin to understand what is displayed. The full day course cost of $195 includes show ticket and instruction materials. The American Sailing Association's (ASA) Radar Endorsement exam will also be available for an additional $50 following the class. Registration is available through www.StrictlySailChicago.com.
Other exciting show features include:

Author's Corner—Visit the Author's Corner at this year's show to meet your favorite sailing authors. Some of sailing's great adventurers will be on hand to share their experiences, including David LaVigne, John Otterbacher, Joy Smith, Liza Copland, Niels Jensen, Randy Deering, Robbie Johnson, Trevor Hodgson, as well as John and Amanda Neal.

Jack Klang's Sailing Simulator—Stop by the fan-driven sailing simulator and learn new techniques for improved sailing, boat handling, safety and cruising under sail. This demonstration is a must-see for every cruising couple and single-handed sailor. Learn to hoist, trim and jibe an asymmetrical spinnaker, and much more, right from your cockpit.

Kid's Club—The Kid's Club is an activity center designed to cater to junior sailors. Children have the opportunity to build their own sailboat models, draw "sailboats of the future," learn knot tying and race boats in the makeshift "lake" on the show floor.

Regattas—Challenge your crew, fellow yacht club member or family and friends to a remote-controlled sailboat race around the indoor sailing pond.

SAIL Magazine's Innovation Station—This new exhibit will feature the latest products to receive SAIL Magazine's Freeman K. Pittman Innovation Awards, recognizing the newest, most innovative and technically advanced sailing products currently sold on the market. The Station will also host the announcement of this year's Eureka Award winner, a prize awarded to an individual behind an Innovation Award product deemed especially outstanding. The Innovation Station showcases four product categories, including: Racing Gear, Cruising Gear, Electronics, Safety Gear and Systems.

Sailing Education—World adventure cruisers, authors and experts in navigation software and sailing equipment specialist will share their sailing knowledge through the show's extensive seminar program. Most seminars are free with the price of admission and are geared for sailors of all ages and abilities.

US Sailing's Olympic Center—Be sure to visit the newly featured Olympic Center to view this years Olympic sailing boats and equipment, meet past Olympian sailors and learn more about the participation of the United States in the 2016 games. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear the stories of sailors who won the Olympic trials and their plans for participation in Qingdao, the city hosting the 2008 Olympic sailing events.